The catalytic activity of perovskites MIMIIO3 (M I = La; M l! = Co, Mn, Cr, A1, Ni, and V) and MICoO 3 (M = Y, Nd, Sm, and Er) in the oxidation of CO, propylene, and ethylben~ene was investigated. The highest activity was observed for the MICoO:3 catalysts with perfect perovskite structure. The nature of the rare-ear;tin element has no influence on the catalytic activity. Deformation of the octahedral coordination of the metal was found for the less active catalysts. The interaction of gases (CO, CO+air) with the catalyst surface was investigated. The more active catalysts adso~ a greater amount of O2, and the adsorpfior~ occurs in the temperature region of the oxidation reaction. The activities of the perovskiteand spinel-type catalysts were compared under similar conditions.